If you loved
Spinning
Tillie Walden · Book · 2017
What hooked you in Spinning was the vulnerable way you navigated the quiet, transformative intersection of personal identity and high-stakes performance.
Films on the same thread
Love, Simon
Greg Berlanti · Film · 2018
Shares 3 threads with Spinning: Coming Out, First Love, Identity.
Like the protagonist of Spinning, Simon faces the anxiety of hiding his true self from his inner circle, mirroring the intimate, heart-wrenching process of coming out and finding belonging.
Moonlight
Barry Jenkins · Film · 2016
Shares 3 threads with Spinning: identity, self-discovery, first love.
This film captures the same raw, self-reflective journey found in Spinning, focusing on the heavy emotional labor of discovering one’s sexuality while existing in environments that feel increasingly restrictive.
Call Me by Your Name
Film · 2017
Shares 3 threads with Spinning: First love, Self-discovery, Coming out.
The aching sense of fleeting, formative first love that defines Spinning is mirrored here, as both narratives explore the profound, identity-altering impact of a single, intense summer of discovery.
In a Heartbeat
Film · 2017
Shares a thread with Spinning: Coming out.
If the emotional honesty of Spinning resonated with you, this short film captures that exact, nervous flutter of a first crush and the overwhelming necessity of finally embracing your authentic identity.
Series on the same thread
Heartstopper
Alice Oseman · Series · 2022
Shares 3 threads with Spinning: First Love, Self-Discovery, Identity.
The tender, high-school-aged self-discovery that drives the plot of Spinning is beautifully echoed in this series, emphasizing the quiet courage required to pursue love while navigating complex social landscapes.
Yuri!!! on Ice
Series · 2016
Shares a thread with Spinning: Self-Discovery.
This series mirrors the competitive skating backdrop of Spinning, focusing on how the pressures of professional athletics can act as a catalyst for deep, personal growth and newfound self-acceptance.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Jenny Han · Series · 2022
Shares 2 threads with Spinning: First Love, Self-Discovery.
Much like the transition into adulthood depicted in Spinning, this story anchors its emotional weight in the pivotal moments where family secrets and personal evolution collide during a transformative summer.
Love, Victor
Elizabeth Berger · Series · 2020
Shares 2 threads with Spinning: Self-discovery, First Love.
The struggle to reconcile sexual identity with home and school life is a core tension in Spinning, and you will recognize that same authentic path toward self-actualization in Victor’s journey.
Podcasts on the same thread
Making Space with Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb, TODAY · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Spinning: Self-discovery.
If you connected with the mental health themes in Spinning, this podcast offers a similar, grounding exploration of human resilience and the necessity of healing while navigating life’s major transitions.
We Can Do Hard Things
Treat Media and Glennon Doyle · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Spinning: Mental health.
The raw, confessional tone of Spinning finds a perfect companion here, as this podcast provides the same sense of authentic, vulnerable support for those navigating the complexities of personal growth.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Spinning a true story?
Yes, Spinning is a graphic memoir written by Tillie Walden. It documents her personal experiences with competitive figure skating and her journey of coming out while navigating her coming-of-age years.
What themes are explored in Spinning?
Spinning focuses on the intersection of competitive figure skating and the personal growth associated with coming-of-age. The memoir specifically addresses the author's internal development and her experience of coming out during this formative period of her life.
Is Spinning a graphic novel?
Yes, Spinning is presented as a graphic memoir. It utilizes the visual storytelling format to recount the author's youth, detailing the pressures of competitive figure skating alongside her transition into adulthood and her process of coming out.
Does Spinning cover the author's skating career?
Yes, Spinning centers on the author's background in competitive figure skating. The memoir explores how this demanding sport influenced her coming-of-age experience and provided a backdrop for her journey toward coming out.